Williamsville East High School Varsity Girls Soccer Season Preview

Developing Skills and Speed Through Futsal This winter, Williamsville East’s girls' varsity soccer team hit the ground running with weekly futsal sessions focused on sharpening technical skills like dribbling, passing, 1v1 moves, and shooting. The faster pace of futsal also allowed players to improve their tactical decision-making in tight spaces and game-like scenarios. “Futsal has helped increase our attacking play and speed of play overall,” said Head Coach Liam Kelly. Prioritizing Culture and Team Bonding As a second-year head coach, Kelly is placing heavy emphasis on building team chemistry and a fun environment. Each session begins with a community circle, where players check in, share how they’re feeling, and connect on a deeper level. “A fun and inclusive environment helps players grow more comfortable making mistakes and learning from them,” Kelly emphasized. Offseason Training and Summer Prep Offseason efforts continue into spring with weekly lifting sessions and captain-led workouts. These build physical strength and leadership skills. The team will also begin summer sessions in July, focusing on technical and tactical development before the season kicks off. Saying Goodbye to Seniors, Looking Ahead to Leaders The team graduated seven seniors last year, players who helped set the tone for a new era under Coach Kelly. But a strong returning group brings plenty of experience and potential for an even better season. Players to Watch This Season Siena Zgoda (Senior) – A powerhouse forward with a strong shot and athleticism. Maddie Waffner (Senior) – A skilled outside midfielder with high soccer IQ and work ethic. Cata Lops (Senior) – A steady presence at center back who leads with poise. Lia Brunskill & Maebh Whyte – A dynamic midfield duo with technical flair. Mariam Mohamed – A deep-lying playmaker who unlocks defenses with her passing. Chloe Grant – A composed and aerially strong senior defender. Breakout Watch: Lydia Lemmo (Right Back) and Claire Nuzillat (Striker) are poised to shine. Training Smarter with College-Level Insights Coach Kelly is also drawing from college coaching connections to enhance offseason training. His vision includes blending weight room work, film sessions, and on-field development to build more complete athletes across the program. Guiding Nutrition, Encouraging Autonomy While the program doesn’t enforce strict nutrition plans, Kelly offers nutritional guidance to help players make informed choices that support their performance and recovery. Coaching Philosophy: Growth and Joy With a growth mindset, Coach Kelly constantly evaluates his own strategies and welcomes input from his players. “My top priority is making sure the girls have fun and want to keep playing beyond high school,” he said. Connecting with the Community The team is building its digital presence through Instagram and looking toward the future by planning to engage local elementary and middle schools, hoping to inspire the next generation of players. Challenge Ahead: League Dominance The main hurdle this season? Winning critical league games to secure a strong playoff seed. With a unified group, committed leadership, and a deeper talent pool, Williamsville East looks ready to take the challenge head-on.